XENIA William Henry Shields, Jr. was born on March 12, 1926 to Mr. William Henry Shields, Sr. and Mildred Shields in Chicago, IL. He was affectionately known as "Billy". When he was only 2 years old, William, Sr. moved the family to Xenia, OH, his hometown. Young Billy attended United A.M.E church, which helped to support his faith and love of the Lord. He did well in his studies and athletics, graduating from East High School in Xenia. He chose to attend Central State University in Wilberforce, though during his freshman year, he was drafted to World War II. Billy entered into service at Fort Benjamin Harrison in Lawrence, Indiana. After receiving an honorable discharge, Billy went back to Central State, pledged Kappa Alpha Psi and graduated in the Class of 1950 with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Education. While at Central State, Billy excelled in academics and at sports. An outstanding all-around athlete, he earned 12 varsity letters, four each in basketball, football, and baseball. He was also selected to the Midwest Athletic Association All-Star team in all three sports. In Xenia and at Central, he developed many lifelong friendships. After graduation, Billy began a career in professional baseball, playing with the Milwaukee (Atlanta) Braves and the Detroit Tigers organizations. He played to the AAA level in the Pacific Coast League, which allowed him to travel extensively throughout the country, as well as visit some international locations. Injuries, however, prevented him from continuing his athletic career as a professional. After leaving baseball, Billy relocated to Los Angeles and began a thirty yearcareer with the City in the Department of Recreation and Parks, starting as an Assistant and progressing to Director of Recreation, where he was charged with designing, leading, and managing community programs for pre-school childrenthrough senior citizens. He touched many lives, including at risk youth, and was well respected by his colleagues and the communities he served. He was honored by Central State and inducted into the Hall of Fame for Basketball in 1992. Billy also became a basketball referee at the high school and collegiate level, and enjoyed both jobs until retirement in December 1995. While in Los Angeles he fell in love with Ms. Theressa Matthews and the two were wed in March 1973. The union would produce two beautiful children Jevonand Natasha. Billy reveled in being a family man and treasured his two youngchildren, pouring his energy and resources into their development. His first grandchild, Jevon Taylor (JayJay), was born in 1995 and now "Grandpa Billy" eagerly anticipated and fully enjoyed his next job as caregiver. In addition to caring for his first grandson, Grandpa Billy enjoyed the company of friends and attending services at Southern Missionary Baptist Church where he was a member. He continued to exercise regularly into his late 70's. He lived to enjoy 4 more grandchildren, Sanaa (2003), Elias (2005), Omar (2007), and Akhil (2012). Billy relocated to Washington D.C. with his daughter Natasha and family in 2009 and remained there until his death. He was preceded in death by his son, Jevon D. Shields (d. 2001). He is survived by his daughter, Natasha D. Shields-Sanderson,his grandchildren, Jevon T. Shields (South Pasadena, CA), Sanaa J. Sanderson, Elias A. Sanderson, Omar A. Sanderson, Akhil A. Sanderson, daughter-in-law,Jamila F. Daniel (South Pasadena, CA), and son-in-law, Andrew K. Sanderson II, MD.Services will be held on Thursday, June 20, 2013 at 11am. Fort Washington Christian Church 10900 Indian Head Highway. Fort Washington, MD, 20744. Reverend Joseph W. Clark, Pastor will preside. Sentiments may be forwarded to the church c/o Natasha Shields Sanderson.